Sweet 16 gift--NY area....

[disneyjunkie]

I think the amount of money and "things" that people are so called "expected" to give is ridiculous. I remember years ago my grandma telling me that in New Jersey people gave microwaves and tvs at bridal showers and we were shocked. Growing up mostly in Florida I have never heard of that unless it was for your own child getting married. I never have thought it as being cheap to give what you can afford and not go overboard. And, as far as Sweet 16 parties....omg, what are they going to get when they get married??? These kids think they are entitled to an expensive car because they are 16?? (Ok, I was thinking about the MTV show...lol) Life is about hard work and earning what you get....I'm not saying a new driver doesn't deserve a car...but how about a nice, safe, affordable one? I believe that if everything is handed to you that you appreciate nothing.

How is spending money on big parties and giving a teen a car any different than spending money on expensive family vacations? There are plenty of people who feel entitled to Disney trips and cruises.

Just as a child doesn’t HAVE to have an expensive car, a family doesn't HAVE to visit WDW. It's possible to create family memories and spend quality time together without spending tons of money. Yet, we all do it. Some of us do to it yearly or several times a year.

Why is it ok to spend money on ABC, but not XYZ?

 

[DisneygirlTeacher]

Actually, we don't spend money on "expensive family vacations." Those memories are done without going into debt or being extravagant. Same with cars, houses and everything else. Some people go into extreme debt and some don't. We don't. So, spending money on ABC doesn't equal XYZ...never has, never will.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Actually, we don't spend money on "expensive family vacations." Those memories are done without going into debt or being extravagent. Same with cars, houses and everything else. Some people go into extreme debt and some don't. We don't. So, spending money on ABC doesn't equal XYZ...never has, never will.

I wasn't talking about debt, just choices.

What may be an expensive trip for one family, could be a budget trip for another.

You get to decide how you will spend your money. No matter what you do, there will be those who think it's a bit much.

A family who isn't willing to pay for a trip to WDW may think those of us who do are nuts.

There are plenty of people who think it's crazy to go out all for parties, graduations, vacations...

I say if you can afford it and that's the way you decide to spend your money, go for it.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I wasn't talking about debt, just choices.

What may be an expensive trip for one family, could be a budget trip for another.

You get to decide how you will spend your money. No matter what you do, there will be those who think it's a bit much.

A family who isn't willing to pay for a trip to WDW may think those of us who do are nuts.

There are plenty of people who think it's crazy to go out all for parties, graduations, vacations...

I say if you can afford it and that's the way you decide to spend your money, go for it.

Exactly!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Actually, we don't spend money on "expensive family vacations." Those memories are done without going into debt or being extravagant. Same with cars, houses and everything else. Some people go into extreme debt and some don't. We don't. So, spending money on ABC doesn't equal XYZ...never has, never will.

Just so you know- our kid's parties don't cause us to go into debt and what you might view as extravagant we might view as the norm.

 

[LSchrow]

ITA with the adage "give what you are comfortable with".

that said, i would rather give a dear friend's child $100+ for a sweet sixteen, than blow $100+ on useless toys or more-clothes-than-they-will-ever-wear for my kids (btw, my kids are the same way...they enjoy giving special gifts to family & close friends, even if it means they might have to forego another item for themselves).

if the $100 took away from food or other essentials, i wouldn't do it, but giving a nice gift to someone who needs & appreciates it wouldn't change, no matter where we live